Wednesday, July 3, 2013

In my New Yawk City days, the A/C came on only *when absolutely necessary.* Times appear to benecessary. As a counterpoint, everyone in B'ham keeps saying, "wait until August" as if the swelter currently bearing down on me is child's play. Maybe I don't need to find out what they mean....?

Pleasing the senses is what this menu is about..... crunchy, juicy, tangy, frozen, sweet, piquant, charred, and toothsome. Every bit, toothsome (even though my husband makes fun of me when I use that description). Don't take my word - see for yourselves! And write back if you find yourself some favorites....

Scroll down for recipes -

Heirloom Tomato, Sugar Snap Pea, Shaved Sweet Onion & Herb Salad

Chilton County Peaches.....

Hibiscus Summer Sparkler

Black Pepper Frozen Souffle with Chilton County Peaches

Char-grilled Sirloin with Gremolata
I imagine I have your attention by now. Make these recipes. They are largely simple, simple endeavors, and any effort you do exert, you'll recoup in the reward of eating them. It's that easy, really.

Ratio 2:1 vodka to hibiscus liqueur - (can sub gin, tequila, or white rum, as you like) - Start with 1/3 cup white spirit and take it from there, adjusting if you have more or fewer guests accordingly
2 lemons, squeezed of their juice
1 tbsp thyme syrup*
sparkling water
fresh thyme sprigs, for garnish

thyme syrup

2/3 cup cane sugar
1/2 cup water
4 sprigs fresh thyme

To make the syrup, heat sugar and water together in a small saucepan until sugar dissolves, stirring occasionally. Bring to a boil and reduce heat to simmer for 5-7 minutes, until liquid reduces slightly. Remove from heat and stir in the thyme sprigs. Steep for one hour (or longer if you have time), allow to cool fully and then strain with a sieve, discarding the thyme. Seal in a glass jar and refrigerate - will keep for one month.

Stir all but the last two ingredients together in a tumbler filled with ice. Pour over ice into rocks glasses, top with the sparkling water, and garnish with fresh thyme sprigs. Happy sipping!

Start with the gremolata and combine the lemon zest, parsley, garlic, and a small glug of olive oil in a bowl. Set aside. Remove the steaks from the refrigerator at least twenty minutes before grilling. Place them on a platter, pat all surfaces dry, and season both sides well with salt and pepper. Preheat a grill for 7-10 minutes, and cook the meat 6 or so minutes a side for medium-rare doneness. A nice char will add flavor, so don't be concerned if the fat or flesh blackens! Allow the meat to rest for ten minutes before cutting off the bone (save to use for stocks or sauces) and then into slices. Top with the gremolata, finish with a scatter of sea salt and pepper to taste, and enjoy.

Wrap a six-cup ramekin with parchment paper extending two inches above the rim and secure with a rubber band or tape. Set aside. Stir together lemon zest, juice, and pepper in a small bowl. In a large bowl, beat the egg whites with a hand mixer to soft peaks, about 6 minutes. Gradually add in the sugar, beating between additions to combine. Once all sugar is incorporated, beat to firm peaks and glossy, about 3-4 minutes more. Fold the zest and pepper mixture into the egg white mixture until incorporated. In a separate bowl, beat cream for approximately 2 minutes, until soft peaks form. Fold cream gradually into the egg mixture, then pour into ramekin. Place in freezer at least 4 hours or overnight. Remove parchment collar, top with fresh peaches, and dust with confectioners sugar table-side.

After my labor of love to organize these tasty bites, I am having friends over to celebrate in style. I hope you enjoy the Fourth of July with people who have good taste in food, and even better taste in conversation. ;) Enjoy summertime lolling and the amazing bounty of the season!

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About Me

I am a food and still life photographer, with a little travel and lifestyle thrown into the mix. My passion for all things visual brought me here, and my penchant for eating well has helped me hone my skills at sourcing, cooking, and styling most of what you see.
This blog is the latest in my adventures in food - whether a new ingredient I've discovered, someone who inspires my outlook, or a tasty meal I found time and fortune to create. If asked about what you last made for yourself, think about it as if it speaks to your deepest self – after all, that’s what eating and making food is about.

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If you wish to use my photos or content, please credit me wherever they are placed. For commercial use of my content, please contact me about licensing agreements and rates via email at info@melinaphotos.com. Thank you!